Fun December events in Texas

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December is a major holiday season throughout the United States, and Texas is no different. While the state may not enjoy the traditional winter wonderland of snow, there are many things to do during the holiday season. Here are just a few of the many events found throughout the state for visitors looking to celebrate Christmas in Texas.

Houston

The season starts off in Houston with the mayor’s official holiday celebration downtown. This features fireworks and choirs, ending with the lighting of the tree outside City Hall. Later on in the month, families can enjoy the Annual Candlelight Tour in the Park, sponsored by the Texas Heritage Society. Stroll along Sam Houston Park and see the historic homes lit up with holiday lights and other holiday decorations. Visitors who enjoy theater during the holidays can see “A Christmas Carol-A Ghost Story of Christmas,” a fun musical by Alley Theatre, or the traditional “The Nutcracker” performed by the Houston Ballet.

Austin

The capital city of Austin begins its holiday season with the lighting of the tree outside the Capitol. Afterwards, families enjoy live music and shopping along Congress Avenue. Next up is the Christmas Market sponsored by the German-Texan Heritage Society. Visitors enjoy German Christmas music, handcrafted gifts, German food, and a visit from American Santa and German Sankt Nikolas. Later on in the month, families can visit Zilker Park for the Austin Trail of Lights and the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar.

San Antonio

Many of San Antonio’s holiday traditions celebrate its Texan-Mexican heritage. For example, the city hosts an annual tamale festival every December at the Pearl Brewery Complex along the River Walk. Featuring live music and tamales from 40 different vendors, this festival is a big hit and should not to be missed by visitors. The San Antonio River Walk also hosts the annual Ford Boat Caroling most nights in December. Guests can hear carols sung by more than 180 groups as boats float along the river. Other holiday events in San Antonio include Holidays in Bloom at the San Antonio Botanical Garden and Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo.

Galveston

Travelers don’t need to stay in the big cities to enjoy Christmas in Texas. There is a lot to do in the smaller towns throughout the month of December. Galveston hosts the annual Dickens on the Strand Festival every December. Families can experience the holiday season of Victorian era London as Charles Dickens would have experienced it. This two-day festival includes costumed carolers and other entertainers. Visitors can also enjoy the annual Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens throughout the month or shop along the historic seaport of downtown Galveston.

Gulf Coast

Families interested in a more tropical vacation can head down to Rockport for the annual "Tropical" Christmas Festival held the first Saturday of the month. The festival features free activities in the downtown area, such as arts and crafts, a pet costume contest, Christmas ornament workshop, and a visit from Santa. Guests can wind down by exploring the beaches along the Gulf Coast in Corpus Christi and Port Lavaca.

The Lone Star State has endless options to celebrate the holidays. From the big cities to the charming seaside towns, Texas will leave its visitors and their families with holiday memories that will last a lifetime